A native of Craig, Colorado, Captain Golden enlisted in the Navy in August 1988. He attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois and went to Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut.
His initial sea duty assignment was onboard USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 729G) where he served as a Fire Control Technician. During his next tour, he taught “C” School at Trident Training Facility and received follow on order to USS Georgia (SSBN 730G). During his tour, he applied and was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP). While enrolled in the ECP program, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and commission at the University of Washington.
At sea, he served onboard USS Seattle (AOE 3) as Electronic Maintenance/Material Officer, Auxiliary Officer, and Main Propulsion Division Officer. After attending Combat Systems Officer Track II, he reported to USS McFaul (DDG 74) where he served as Fire Control Officer. Onboard USS Porter (DDG 78), he served as the Chief Engineer. For his second Department Head posting, he reported to Riverine Group ONE as the N3/N5; he served in USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) as the Executive Officer. Once selected, he served in USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), as the Commanding Officer. After a short time and COMNAVAIRLANT, he was selected to serve as Chief Staff Officer for COMPHIBRON 8 and deployed with BATAAN ARG/26 MEU.
While ashore, Commander Golden served at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic as course manager for Supporting Arms Coordination Center and augmented the staff for Naval Surface Fire Support qualifications. Additionally, he completed his Master’s degree under the Executive Master of Business Administration program through Naval Postgraduate School. Following Riverine Group ONE, he deployed to Djibouti to serve as CJ-5 Maritime Planner in CJTF-Horn of Africa (HOA). He then served with Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic as the Waterfront Readiness/Personnel Manpower Officer N14. Prior to reporting in USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), he served with Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force as the Head of Weapons and Sensors section in Surface Warfare division. Following duty at COMPHIBRON 8 he served as N3 in Expeditionary Strike Group TWO.
CAPT Golden’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and service awards.
Last Updated: 1 May 2024